2016-17 Holiday Events

December 5, 2016 | By: Monica Christofferson

The holiday season is one of the best times to visit New Mexico to truly experience the state’s beauty, culture, and traditions. Residents and tourists brave the cold weather to view and walk among the many light displays and celebrations.

These are some of the most spectacular family-friendly displays, worth a stop if you are in or traveling through New Mexico this holiday season!

In Santa Fe:

Christmas in the Plaza Santa Fe’s historic plaza is aglow in lights and farolitos from Thanksgiving to New Years Day. Be sure to stop in Santa Fe on your way up to the ski areas to stroll around the plaza and through the surrounding streets of this historic city.

Christmas Eve Canyon Road Farolito Walk December 24, 2016 @ 5:00-9:00 pm Join the tens of thousands of people who turn out for this slow promenade in the heart of Santa Fe. Enjoy farolitos and carolers. Many of the galleries and restaurants are open; some serve hot drinks and offer a warm, welcome shelter from the cold.

In Albuquerque:

52st Annual Luminaria Tour December 24, 2016 This guided tour takes holiday-light seekers through the Old Town plaza and several surrounding neighborhoods to view the city’s most impressive light and luminaria displays.(You can also stroll through Old Town any night of the month of December to see the picturesque white lights, but without the luminarias.)

River of Lights Through December 30, 2016 ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden hosts New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show featuring millions of twinkling lights.

If you are visiting NM to enjoy skiing or snowboarding for the holidays, there’s plenty of holiday cheer for the whole family at and around the ski areas as well. From Santa to fireworks, there’s something for everyone. Several ski areas host traditional torchlight parades. These breathtaking displays on the slopes of the mountains are celebrations put on by the host ski area and skiing community and are considered a gift to the visitors who attend.

Ski Apache

Dummy Gelunde & Torchlight Parade with Fireworks December 28 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Build your best snow-riding dummy, tie him to a pair of skis or a snowboard and watch him fly down the hill and off our giant ski launch! Then, hang out for our torchlight parade down the Capitan Trail followed by a spectacular fireworks show and more!

Angel Fire

Ski and Snowboard with Santa December 24 @ 10:00 am-4:00 pm Come ski and snowboard with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the mountain. Don’t forget a camera; this is one photo op you don’t want to miss.

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks December 24 @ 6:00-7:00 pm Bundle up the family and join us at the base of the ski mountain for our annual Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks.

New Year’s Eve Party December 31 @ 9:00 pm-1:00 am Celebrate the end of a wonderful 2016.

Taos Ski Valley

New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Torchlight Parade December 31 @ 5:45 pm – 7:00 pm Ring in the 2017 New Year in style with our torchlight parade and fireworks display. The night will kick off at 5.45pm with a laser light show. Then watch as skiers make their way down the mountain in the dark with flares as their only means of light. Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display by Gemini Fireworks.

Red River

Christmas Eve Fireworks and Torchlight Parade December 24 @ 7:00 pm See Red River ski area’s instructors, patrol, and local residents ski and snowboard down the mountain carrying flares. This beautiful show is a 45-plus year tradition and is accompanied by fireworks. The event is kicked off with a Rail Jam, where skiers and snowboarders can show off tricks and stunts.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Torchlight Parade December 31 @ 7:00 pm Kick off your New Year celebrations on the FACE and enjoy this special New Year’s Eve torchlight parade and fireworks. Then head into town to party.

Old Fashioned New Year’s Eve Party December 31 @ 7:30-10:00 pm The kids can celebrate New Year’s too! They’ll enjoy pizza, music, games and can ring in the new year when the countdown ball drops… at midnight Eastern time!

Sipapu

Christmas Eve Party December 24 @ 5:00-8:00 pm This annual party held in the historic lodge includes holiday music, warm fires, twinkling lights, an art project for the kids, and food and drink that are full of good cheer!